Moscow assures US it will not invade Ukraine: Pentagon

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Russia has assured the United States (US) that it will not invade Ukraine, the Defence Department said on Monday.

"Secretary of Defence (Chuck) Hagel spoke today by phone with Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu (and) Shoigu reiterated his assurance that Russian forces would not invade Ukraine," spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said in a statement.

Mr Kirby said the two discussed a range of issues related to the situation in Ukraine, with Mr Hagel requesting clarification of Russia's intentions in eastern Ukraine.

Mr Hagel urged an end to Russia's "destabilising influence inside Ukraine and warned that continued aggression would further isolate Russia and result in more diplomatic and economic pressure," Mr Kirby said.